Rural/Metro union signals its intention to go on strike

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Teamsters Local 375 on Friday delivered 10-day notice signaling its intent to strike privately owned Rural/Metro Medical Services if progress is not made to fix a system in which, according to the union, first responders are paid below the city’s living wage.

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics voted July 3 to reject a contract offer from Rural/Metro.

Kevin Drysdale, president of the local, said this week members voted against “a very, very, very unacceptable wage proposal.”

“Our goal is to avoid any work stoppage by reaching a resolution that both provides for our employees and ensures fiscal sustainability in the ever-changing health care environment,” said Jay Smith, general manager for Rural/Metro’s Western New York division.

Locally, Rural/Metro covers most of Erie and Niagara counties, except for the Tonawandas, Amherst, Clarence, Lancaster and Grand Island.